Fin's Fish Guide
The African pike characin (Phago loricatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae that grows up to 17 cm.
West Africa; Niger basin and coastal rivers of Benin, Nigeria and Cameroon.
Description
The African pike-characin is a predatory characin of the family Distichodontidae from the Niger basin and coastal rivers of West Africa. The species grows to about 17 cm and has a strongly elongate, pike-like body with a long, toothed mouth. It lives in rivers and is a decided predator that hunts large insects and fishes; relatives are known as fin-biters that nip pieces from the fins of other fishes. As a stalking predator it often lies motionless among vegetation. Owing to its modest size the species is of limited fishery interest. The African pike-characin is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the African pike characin?
The African pike characin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Pike-like body with a long, toothed mouth; stalking predator, its relatives are known as fin-biters.
Where does the African pike characin live?
The African pike characin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. West Africa; Niger basin and coastal rivers of Benin, Nigeria and Cameroon.
How big does the African pike characin get?
The African pike characin grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.
Is the African pike characin dangerous to humans?
No, the African pike characin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the African pike characin edible?
The African pike characin is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Phago
More from the family Distichodontidae
Want the complete picture on the African pike characin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the African pike characin is one of 12,519 species in the app.